Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is October 2020. It is a month where all women and men (although breast cancer is rare in men, it can still occur) are encouraged to learn how to self-check for any changes in their breasts. A campaign will be run from the centre, encouraging the importance of self-checking and to get all changes checked by your GP, who can refer on to the relative people, should there be a concern.

September 20 marked World Gynaecological Oncology Day 2020 and at the centre, they have a very clear message to "Make This Campaign A Really Great One". The whole aim was to make people aware that cancer does not discriminate and there is a video available on their Facebook page, that was shot at the centre with some of the clients and volunteers.

As most are aware the 16th of March, with a heavy heart, the Centre team  had to drastically change how to provide their services due to the Covid restrictions that were put in place. However, despite these restrictions, they have continued to provide the majority of the services to cancer patients and their families. Having learned to adapt and learn new skills in order to do so, whilst following all official guidelines issued by the HSE.

The following services will be continued to run. Transport to and from patient's radiotherapy sessions in Galway. Social distancing is being adhered to and masks are worn at all times by patients and driver. Support groups have all held their meetings through zoom calls which has worked very effectively.

The number of counsellors has increased in order to meet the demand for counselling from their clients. Mental health has really been affected by the restrictions. Counselling was being carried out through zoom/telephone calls but now face to face counselling is available whilst adhering to current government guidelines on social distancing etc.

A 24-hour telephone line has been operating throughout the pandemic and will always continue to do so. A sanitising system has been purchased and is being used to sanitize all rooms and the radiotherapy bus. They’re positioned at all entrance points to the centre and clients are asked to use them. A computerised contact tracing system has been set up by Seamus Daly. All clients are asked the relevant questions upon arrival to the centre.

To keep up to date with the EGM cancer centre, ring them on (090) 964 2088 or check out their Facebook page below